
Do you ever feel like your spiritual life is stuck in neutral? Maybe you want to feel closer to God but don’t know where to start, or life just feels too busy to add one more thing. The good news is, building a spiritual routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, meaningful steps can bring you closer to God and help you feel more grounded in your faith.
Why a Spiritual Routine Matters
Routines shape our lives in ways we don’t always notice. Think about the habits that are part of your daily rhythm: brushing your teeth, making coffee, or checking your phone. These small actions add up over time, and they can influence how we feel and live. The same is true for our spiritual lives.
When we take even a few moments to connect with God regularly, we begin to grow deeper roots in our faith. Psalm 1:2-3 describes this beautifully:
“Their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.”
A spiritual routine helps us stay steady, even when life feels chaotic.
How to Build a Routine That Works for You
Here’s the key: a spiritual routine for you doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. It should reflect your personality, schedule, and season of life. Here are some practical steps to get started:
- Start Small
Begin with one or two practices that feel meaningful to you. You don’t have to overhaul your whole day. A short prayer, a scripture verse, or a few moments of silence can make a big difference. - Make It Personal
Find ways to connect with God that feel natural for you. Maybe you enjoy journaling, listening to worship music, or taking a walk in nature. There’s no one right way to spend time with God. - Set a Time and Place
Consistency can help your routine stick. Choose a time and place where you can focus—whether it’s first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed. - Be Flexible
Life happens, and routines sometimes need to shift. Give yourself grace if things don’t go perfectly. What matters is staying connected to God, even if it looks different from day to day. - Incorporate Accountability
Find a friend or join a group to encourage you. Sharing your journey with others can help keep you motivated and inspired. You might even think about consulting a Spiritual Director who helps you to listen to where God is moving in your life. Check out the Spiritual Directors International web site if you are looking for one, or you can always ask me!
Simple Ideas to Get Started
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few simple practices to consider:
- Start the day with a short prayer or write down three things you’re grateful for.
- Read a verse or two of scripture and reflect on what it means for your life. The psalms are a great place to start if you are unsure. Just open to one and read it. If you want some other suggestions:
- Check out the YouVersion Bible App
- Listen to Pray as You Go podcast
- Give the Ritual App a try
- Use the Christ in Our Home devotional booklets available at church
- Ask for something else that might interest you or that you could use help with.
- Take a walk and use the time to pray or notice God’s presence in nature.
- Spend a few moments in silence, focusing on your breathing and inviting God into your day.
- End the day by thinking about where you saw God at work or asking for God’s guidance.
A Word of Encouragement
Remember, routines take time to develop, and they don’t need to be perfect. God isn’t asking for perfection—just your willingness to spend time together. As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
No matter where you are today, God’s love and mercy are waiting for you.
Your Next Step
What’s one small step you can take to start or refresh your spiritual routine this week? Maybe it’s setting aside five minutes to pray or trying one of the ideas above. Whatever it is, know that every step you take matters to God. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s worked for you in building a spiritual routine? Share in the comments or reflect on it privately. Let’s encourage one another as we grow in faith.